Review: Sleeping Beauty at Newark's Palace Theatre

It's panto season and Newark's offering of Sleeping Beauty has something to get everybody feeling festive!

There's nothing like a panto to get the whole family in the mood for Christmas, and our local performance of Sleeping Beauty had the gang from Radio Newark feeling Santa-ready last night!

The story followed a modern twist on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, as Nanny-Annie Cupcake, Muddles the Jester and Prince Valient go on a hilarious adventure through a time portal to save the beautiful Princess Rosa. Fairy Azurial narrates the adventure, with her adorable mini fairies popping in and out to help assist our brave adventurers on their quest. 

The chemistry between all of the actors on stage is undeniable, it's clear they all have a great time together and this pushes the comedy further. There's nothing like seeing Nick Cochrane, playing the panto's King, slip out of character for a second to make an aside comment on a pun from one of his fellow actors. 

The comedy in the production gives the adult viewers something to relate to, a cheeky but subtle innuendo grabs the attention of any grown-up audience members who may not be as enchanted by the magic of the show. 

Although, it's hard not to be enthralled by elements of this production, that rivalled pantomimes I've witnessed in larger cities. In an attempt not to ruin the performance for you all, I shan't share the details of a moment that had all of us in the audience gasping at the stage, just expect something spectacular when it comes to the set! It was a completely unexpected moment that screamed 'large-scale' production, and was a real treat for everyone watching. 

When it comes to costumes, Nannie-Annie completely stole the show. Strutting around in amazing heels, outrageous dresses and wigs, and even two variations of a chicken costume - I was excited in anticipation for any time she came on stage. We were also treated to some stunning costumes from the rest of the cast, decorated in enough glitter that Fairy Azurial herself could have been put out of business!

Notably, Muddles the Jester and Grunge, wicked Fairy Carabosse's assistant, really embodied their characters and were every ounce the pantomime stereotype in the best kind of way. Always doing something in the back of every scene they were in, they were exciting to watch for each second they were on stage. Fairy Carabosse was believably evil to even us grown-ups, with an attitude to rival any panto villain before her. 

A special mention goes out to the junior ensemble, who were not only adorable but extremely talented. Little Molly delivered her lines with a huge amount of confidence for a girl of her tiny size! The entire ensemble did a stunning job and were a great addition to each scene they appeared in. 

This year's pantomime is set to be a huge success, a beautifully put together production with something for all ages to enjoy. If you're yet to see it yourself, you're missing out!

Tickets are still available from the Palace Theatre Newark website, the show will be running until January 4, 2020.